October just flew by! “Autumn Expressions” was a great success. We had a nice turn out for the reception. The people who came were so lovely. We had great comments about our work all month long. I still feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to collaborate with generous and talented artists. I hated to take it down – But we will show pieces from it at the next PKN Bemidji which is in two weeks! (see pervious post for Pecha Kucha info)

A couple of weeks ago I got to spend the day at my favorite store, Bad Cat Creations Gallery and Gifts, talking to people about repurposing, up-cycling and making a simple Halloween craft from empty glass bottles. The Cat will be closing at the end of this year. It breaks my heart to see such a great showcase for local artists go away. Spending the day there was bittersweet. I am so glad I took the opportunity to do it. The owner, Christina Thorne, has done so much for me and many other artists. I know she will continue in that direction. I can’t wait to see what she does next I made ghosts and pumpkins from bottles and some paint during my day at Bad Cat Creations Gallery and Gifts for the 2011 Studio Cruise. pictured along with some of my other re-creations.

The Opener Art festival is this weekend! This was the first Art fair I ever did and am happy to be here for the second year. I learn so much each time I do a show or art fair. The best parts are talking to people about what I do and why and having great conversations about sustainability. I love hearing that I have inspired people to rethink what they throw away. It’s my favorite. And selling my work is a huge thrill!I am always looking for ways to improve my presentation and help customers have a better experience. There are many lists out there for both festival goers and vendors on how to have the best experience that have been very helpful for me. I have learned much from other vendors at the shows I’ve done too. Here are a few of my own tips to add:For Festival goers:#1 Be comfortable and take your time to see everything. Make sure to talk to the artists and really get the most out of your experience. #2 Bring cash if you can, smaller bills are best#3) Bring your own bag. If artists don’t have the expense (and *ehem* the big waste) of supplying bags they don’t have to include the cost of the bag in their pricing.#4 Please don’t take offense if artists refuse to give you proprietary information. These festivals are filled with predatory crafters on the hunt for something new that they can copy and sell. It is understandable for vendors to be protective; they are trying to make money with their craft. It is a lot of hard work. If you are truly interested - a better way to approach it might be “I would love to learn to do something like that. Do you teach a class?” or take their card and contact them at another time. If you are and artist yourself, perhaps you can work out a trade of information.#5 Use those manners!For Vendors:#1 See tip # 5 above! How you treat your customers not only reflects on you but on the entire event#2 you don’t need advice from me – I’ve only done a few of these and you can find many blogs and articles on ways to be successful and have a good time. Ok, that’s #2 Have a good time! You put a lot of time, money, blood, sweat and tears into this – you better have a good time doing it.I know I will have good time because my sister is coming to help me and keep me company and we always have a good time. If you are in the Bemidji area this weekend, come see all of the talented artists at the Opener Art Festival. Have a little lunch, a little wine and lots of shopping. Sounds like a great way to spend a saturday.